Barton Pool shut as fire crews called out to 'odour'

Fusion, which manages the pool for Oxford City Council, said staff smelled an ‘odour’ in the plant room after the centre was closed to the public on Thursday.

The charity would not give any further detail on the 'odour'.

South Central Ambulance Service this morning confirmed they were called to the scene to reports of a "potential chemical incident". Read more here>>>

A spokesperson from SCAS said: "We were called to Waynflete Road to reports of a potential chemical incident.  We sent to the scene one ambulance officer who was assessing and treating one adult male, following assessment at the scene by our paramedic the patient did not require treatment at hospital."

At least five fire crews also scrambled to the scene, with Waynflete Road closed in both directions at 1am this morning.

Several firefighters could be seen at the back entrance to the swimming pool. A light had been rigged up illuminating the door to what appeared to be a plant room.

Firefighters at Barton Leisure Centre on Friday morning

In a statement, a Fusion spokeswoman said: “The swimming pool and associated plant room have remained closed this morning as a precaution whilst further investigation is undertaken. The rest of the centre has opened as normal to the public.

“We will update our customers on the re-opening of the swimming pool as soon as possible.”

Barton Leisure Centre is one of five facilities in Oxford managed by Fusion. The others include the Oxford Ice Rink and the Hinksey Outdoor Pool.  

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